The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup tournament is scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 14. Ahead of the competition, a unique early summer transfer window was implemented, allowing participating clubs worldwide to strengthen their squads. This accelerated transfer activity, involving both players and managerial changes, highlights the rapidly evolving nature of modern football. As an example, Real Madrid appointed former Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, in addition to integrating new player signings before the tournament.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal has brought in former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi. Inzaghi departed Inter after their 5-0 defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League final on May 31 and is now set to face Real Madrid in his team`s opening group stage match. Inter Milan, in turn, replaced Inzaghi with club icon and former Parma manager Cristian Chivu. Chivu will make his debut on the Inter bench at the FIFA Club World Cup, underscoring clubs` proactive approach to securing new leadership before the summer event. Let`s take a closer look at five prominent players expected to feature for their new teams in the upcoming tournament.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid
New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso will have several new faces to work with, including former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined the Spanish giants prior to the FIFA Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold`s move from his boyhood club marks a significant step, and he is anticipated to play a vital role for Real Madrid. Initially expected as a free agent signing for summer 2025, the Spanish club paid Liverpool $11.4 million to finalize the transfer ahead of the World Cup start.
Jobe Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund
Another member of the Bellingham family is making his way to Dortmund. Borussia Dortmund secured the signing of Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland before the World Cup commenced and have already included him in the squad traveling to the United States. After a promising season at Sunderland, which culminated in promotion to the Premier League, Bellingham has followed in his brother Jude`s footsteps by joining Borussia Dortmund this summer. He is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young prospects in the tournament and will undoubtedly be under close observation.
Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City
Tijjani Reijnders has officially joined Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City from AC Milan ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The transfer fee was reportedly around €75 million, making it one of the most significant deals of the 2025 summer transfer window. The Dutch midfielder was a standout performer during the 2024-25 Serie A season, contributing 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions for Milan. Reijnders` versatility allows him to operate in various midfield roles – from deep-lying playmaker to box-to-box or even attacking positions – and he is expected to be a key component in a refreshed Manchester City squad.
Liam Delap, Chelsea
Chelsea have signed striker Liam Delap in preparation for the FIFA Club World Cup. Notably, he is reported to be the sole player addition to Enzo Maresca`s team specifically for this tournament. Delap heads to the United States after Chelsea paid $40.5 million to activate his release clause from Ipswich Town, following their relegation from the Premier League. Chelsea had also been seeking to sign a new goalkeeper before the June 10 deadline but were unable to reach an agreement with AC Milan for French international Mike Maignan in time.
Petar Sucic, Inter Milan
Inter Milan is certainly one of the most fascinating teams to observe at this tournament, undergoing substantial changes this summer. The Italian giants have replaced manager Simone Inzaghi with Cristian Chivu, a former club player who won the Champions League in 2010. Inter has also strengthened their squad by signing Luis Henrique from OM and midfielder Petar Sucic from Dinamo Zagreb. The young Croatian international is anticipated to step directly into the team, partly due to injuries to Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi, placing considerable expectations on him at the Club World Cup.
